Camp Gen. Artemio Ricarte, Puerto Princesa City – The Philippine Army is calling all aspiring soldiers in Palawan to take the Philippine Army Aptitude Test Battery (PAATB) to be conducted in October in Puerto Princesa City.

Army Lt. Col. Emmanuel Canilla, civil military operations chief of the Western Command announced that an Army Mobile Team from the Army headquarters will be conducting the test on October 15 to 17 at the 408th CDC, 4th RCDG, at the Camp Gen. Artemio Ricarte in Puerto Princesa City.

The PA Mobile Testing Team’s non-commissioned officer chief, Master Sergeant Arnel Marco, said interested soldiers who wants to become an officer, Civilian Auxiliary Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) and civilians who are willing to take the examination are advised to bring the following documents during the examination date: 2”x2” ID pictures with white background, transcript of records or diploma, NSO authenticated birth certificate, white round neck T-shirt for civilian or battle dress attire for soldiers or CAFGUs.

“The Philippine Army Mobile Testing Team will conduct a series of qualifying exams to interested applicants from Palawan area for candidate soldier course, officer candidate course and officer preparatory course,” Marco said. The passing score is 80.

Alongside their documents, applicants are also required to bring the following during the examination: Valid ID, No. 2 Mongol pencil, and white folder, Marco said.

The applicants must be 18 to 22 years old, at least 5'4” in height for male and 5'2” for female, and have at least 72 units in college or finished a vocational course.

The Philippine Army (PA), (Filipino official name Hukbong Katihan ng Pilipinas), is the main branch of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) responsible for ground warfare.

It was initially organized under the National Defense Act of 1935 (Commonwealth Act No. 1) from among former holders of reserve commissions in the United States Army, former officers of the Philippine Scouts and Constabulary. Though the Philippine Army grew out of forces which fought in opposition to and which defeated forces led by General Artemio Ricarte, General Ricarte is considered to be the father of the Philippine Army. ––END